Kentucky pet food company donates to hurricane victims

When Hurricane Harvey hit the US in August, Champion Petfoods, a pet food company with DogStar Kitchens located in Kentucky, connected with its Houston, Texas distributor partner, Bark to Basics, to facilitate thousands of pounds of donated pet food to people and pets impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

When the donated food arrived at Bark to Basics, the company connected with pet specialty retailers in Texas that would be able to distribute the food to pet owners. Though Bark to Basics staff members suffered property damage and displacement, they worked through the storm to help organize rescues and donations.

“We know that millions of people have been impacted by the disastrous storm, and we wanted to help in whatever way possible,” said Frank Burdzy, Champion Petfoods president and CEO, in a press release. “We know the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is taken care of, so we hope that by supplying ORIJEN and ACANA dog and cat food, it’ll mean one less thing for Pet Lovers to worry about as they return to their homes and communities.”

Champion’s ORIJEN and ACANA dog and cat foods are ready for pickup through these pet specialty retailers, free of charge for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. A complete list of pet specialty stores distributing donated ORIJEN and ACANA foods is available on the company’s website. Pet owners affected by the storm should call the stores prior to arrival to make sure they have food available.

Champion Petfoods is also coordinating with its partners in Florida to support dogs and cats impacted by Hurricane Irma.

Other pet food companies helping Hurricane Harvey victims

Dr. Tim’s is donating a full truckload of dog and cat food to the pets affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Tim Hunt, DVM, told Petfood Industry in an email.

American Humane is working with Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food to deliver more than 100,000 pounds of free emergency food to displaced pet owners and animals separated from their families.

With support from Nutrish, the Rachel Ray Foundation donated US$1 million to help support various animal welfare organizations who are actively working in Texas and Louisiana to care for animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey, Rachel Ray wrote on Facebook.